VirusTotal is a free online service that analyzes files and URLs to detect viruses, malware, and other kinds of malicious content. It’s a valuable tool for scanning email attachments for viruses without directly downloading or opening them. To use it effectively, download the attachment but avoid saving or opening it. Then, navigate to VirusTotal’s website and use the “Browse” function to locate the downloaded file in your file explorer’s “Download” folder. VirusTotal will upload and scan the file, providing a comprehensive report on its safety.
While VirusTotal provides a robust initial scan, further precautions can be taken. If suspicions remain even after a clean VirusTotal scan, inspecting the email’s source code can reveal hidden plugins or browser setting modifications. Reporting suspicious emails to your antivirus provider can also yield specialized utilities for a thorough system check. Remember, even previewing an infected file or opening an email with a malicious image can potentially compromise your system.
If a file is confirmed as infected, utilize a file shredder for secure deletion. Resetting your browser to default settings and reinstalling desired extensions can help mitigate potential damage. Proactively blocking microphone access and autoplay features in your browser settings adds an extra layer of security against unauthorized access.
